USC clinches Pac-12 South with win over Colorado

USC running back Aca’Cedric Ware, center, is tackled after a short gain by, from left, Colorado nose tackle Javier Edwards, linebacker Drew Lewis and defensive back Evan Worthington in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

USC will be heading to the Pac-12 Championship Game for the second time in the past three seasons.

A 38-24 win at Colorado on Saturday clinched the Pac-12 South for the No. 11 Trojans. USC (8-2 overall, 7-1 in the conference) is the only team in the Pac-12 South with fewer than two losses and has the head-to-head tiebreaker over its closest pursuers.

USC quarterback Sam Darnold was 21-34 passing for 329 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, he didn’t commit a turnover. They’ve plagued Darnold all season. And while he’s curbed his interception issues recently, fumbles have been a problem.

Running back Ronald Jones continued his torrid streak with 25 carries for 142 yards and a touchdown. Jones has rushed for over 100 yards in his last three games and four of his last five.

The Buffaloes entered the season as the defending Pac-12 South champions. They may not even make a bowl game in 2017. Colorado (5-6, 2-6) has to beat Utah on Nov. 25 on the road to get to .500 and bowl eligibility.

USC’s Pac-12 title game opponent is still to be determined. Stanford jumped ahead of Washington in the pecking order on Friday night with a win over the Huskies. But the Cardinal lost to Washington State last week. If Washington State beats Washington, the Cougars will meet the Trojans. And Washington State beat USC earlier in the season.